21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ Do you understand that each Christian is to spread the Gospel?
~ How has someone helped you when you have lost heart while experiencing suffering or trials?
~ What difficulties make the door to Christ a narrow one for you?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082425.cfm
DAILY BIBLE READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) Please note: At times the live-stream fails to work. This is especially true as our renovation of the kitchen continues. We apologize for the inconvenience. Live stream from the Cathedral of St. Peter can be viewed on the Diocesan YouTube channel (DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING) at https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . or use this QR code. Previous bulletins can also be viewed. (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays. 
Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code
IMPORTANT REMINDERS: When receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass, please consume the Eucharist in front of the Priest, Deacon, or Eucharistic Minister prior to stepping away. It is not permitted to walk away with the Blessed Sacrament, take it back to your pew or leave Church with Jesus in your hand. When approaching the altar to receive Holy Communion, please approach with reverence (folding hands and being in a prayerful mode) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.
2025 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL
TOGETHER IN HOPE
MATCHING GIFT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL! HELP US REACH OUR GOAL: A Very Generous donor has pledged to match all new gifts to the Faith & Charity Annual Catholic Appeal—dollar for dollar up to $1,800—now through the end of September!
That means if you make a new gift, your donation will be doubled, helping to support the vital ministries and outreach efforts of our Church and Diocese. Already donated? You can still participate and have your additional gift matched! If you haven’t yet contributed this year, now is the perfect time to make your gift go twice as far.
How to Give: Make your check payable to St. Polycarp. Write “Matching Fund Program” on the envelope or in the check memo. Return your gift by placing it in the collection basket at Mass, drop it off at the parish office or mail it to the parish. Be sure to note “Matching Fund Program” on the envelope or in the check memo line to ensure your gift is matched. Please do not send your gift directly to the Diocese. Gifts must be processed through St. Polycarp Church to qualify for the match.
Let’s come together to make a lasting impact. We would like to reach 35% participation of our families.
Every dollar counts—and now, every dollar doubles! Thank you for your generosity and support!
THIS WEEK: Friday, August 22nd – August 29th
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY SERIES – Desert Wanderings & Conquest:
Join us this Sunday, August 24th, at 9:00am in the library as we follow Israel’s journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. All are welcome—see you there!
HERE’S THE SCOOP! Come meet the Parish & Family Life Committee this Sunday, August 24th, following the 10:30am Mass outside in the parking lot. Enjoy an ice cream treat and friendly conversation. Let’s build our Parish community. One Scoop at a Time!
Remember to pick up the newest edition of the Dialog, the newspaper of the Diocese, as you leave Mass this weekend. The Dialog is Published every other week and is available online at http://thedialog.org/
A CALL TO QUIET MINISTRY: Our parish is looking for someone to assist in the care of the sacred linens used during the Mass — purificators, corporals, and a few small towels. This humble, “behind the scenes” task is more than laundry—it is a spiritual ministry. These linens have touched the Body and Blood of Christ and deserve to be handled with reverence. If you feel called to serve Christ in this hidden way, offering your time and hands to prepare His altar for Mass, please contact Monica Haven at 302-233-4147 or monicahaven@verizon.net.
DO YOU ENJOY SHARING STORIES AND CAPTURING SPECIAL MOMENTS? Our parish is growing and there’s a lot of information we want to share with everyone! We’re looking for additional folks of any age with a knack for sharing to help bring our church’s message to life online and in print!
~ Could you spend some time taking photos at parish events?
~ Would you be able to take short video clips at church events?
~ Would you serve our parish by posting updates and inspiration on Facebook?
~ Do you have an hour on Tuesday mornings to help with the weekly bulletin?
Whether you’re a social media pro or just want to help our parish, we’d love to welcome you into our media team! It’s a fun way to stay connected and help others stay informed and encouraged.
Interested? Contact Judy at the Parish Office 302-653-8279 or email communications@saintpolycarp.org. (Pictures and videos can be emailed to submission@saintpolycarp.org.)
DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? WE NEED YOU! Saint Polycarp Parish’s Music Ministry needs skilled instrumentalists for liturgies.
Your talents can help us avoid a shortage of musicians.
Contact Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326 for more information.
The SHARE THE HARVEST TABLE is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant yield with their Church family. All are welcome to share and receive. Thank you to those who have shared their veggies!
PSR WISH LIST: PSR classes begin the end of September! We created a Wish List and asked for your help to provide items to stock our shelves and provide our catechists with what they need! As always, we are extremely grateful for the outpouring of kindness from our parishioners. We have received most of what we asked for! We couldn’t be happier! We have updated our lists, both below and on Amazon. If you are able to help, we would appreciate it. If you already contributed, we thank you so much!
Amazon items can be sent directly to St. Polycarp. All other items can be placed in the marked bins in the vestibule, in the hallway under the coat rack, under the black drop box
under the portico or drop them off at the office. Gift Cards or checks/cash can be put in an envelope and placed in the collection basket. Please mark it PSR Wish List.
As always, thank you for your support! May God bless you for your kindness!
-Small White Envelopes
-Reams of colored copy paper
-White Poster Board (11×14)
-AA Batteries
-Paper Towels
Monetary Donations & Gift Cards (Amazon & Walmart)
Use the QR code or CLICK HERE to shop on Amazon or search Erica Taylor CRE – PSR Wish List under “Find a List or Registry”.
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) – Religious Education Classes Grades PK – 9
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. STUDENTS MUST BE REGISTERED BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS!
Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for information and/or to print the registration form or you can use this QR Code.
For more information, contact Mrs. Erica
Taylor, Coordinator of Religious Education
(CRE) at 302-653-4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org
To view calendars for the upcoming year visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? When will Blessed Carlo Acutis be canonized a saint?
NEXT WEEK: Friday, August 29th – Friday, September 5th, 2025
👑 SUMMER BIBLE STUDY SERIES – Kingdoms & Exile: Join us next Sunday, August 31st, at 9:00 am in the Library as we explore Israel’s rise and fall—from united kingdom to exile. See how God remains faithful through it all. Everyone welcome—no prep needed! Save the Date: Sunday, September 14th, at 8:30 am in the Library
UPCOMING:
ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: We are having a PICNIC at St. Polycarp! Join us for Fellowship, Food, and Fun on Sunday, September 21st, following the
10:30 am Mass. Enjoy the Bouncy House, arts & crafts, a visit from Spiderman, and an opportunity to tour our new kitchen. Please bring a side dish to share and a chair to relax on. The Knights of Columbus will provide hotdogs, hamburgers, and french fries. Water and Rita’s Italian Ice will be available for everyone. We will be selling 50/50 tickets so bring some cash. 1 ticket-$1 or 25 tickets for $20. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Please call Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326, if interested in helping.
SAVE THE DATE – Blood Drive – October 3rd, 2025 – 12pm to 5pm: Please consider donating your blood to help family, parish and community members. The Knights of Columbus Brother Vincent Council #7517 and Brother Vincent Council, Columbiettes, are hosting this wonderful way to give! A mobile unit will be outside, off the side parking lot. Look for more information in future bulletins! Contact: Mike Cunningham with questions at 302- 379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com.
SILVER ROSE PILGRIMAGE: October 25th, 2025, immediately after 4pm Mass. Please join the Knights of Columbus, in this Rosary centered devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This ceremony honors the sanctity of life, promoting the dignity of all human life. Contact: Mike Cunningham with questions at (302) 379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com
ST POLYCARP 3rd QUARTER AUCTION – SAVE THE DATE!
When: Sunday, November 16th
Time: Doors open at 3 pm
Where: Mother Drexel Hall
FORMED FOR KIDS: Episodes 5–8 of Season 4 of Marcam are now streaming! If your summer is full of travel and activities, Marcam is the perfect way to slow down, recharge, and encourage your kids to rest while still learning. Snuggle up on the couch, grab some snacks, and join Marcam for faith-filled fun! Scan the QR code below! If you haven’t tuned in yet, Marcam is a cheerful and curious host who’s always ready to explore, learn, and grow in his faith. Each episode follows Marcam on a new adventure that’s both educational and fun for young viewers. This new batch of episodes includes football, prayer, phonics, and all things fall—take a peek at the titles: Touchdown Time with Marcam, Marcam Makes a Rosary, Sounds and Speech with Marcam, Pumpkins, Play, and Marcam’s Perfect Fall Day.
Make this summer one for heaven. Sign up for SUMMER WITH THE SAINTS to get to know 12 saints better and honor them on their feast days. You’ll get a weekly email with a featured saint and titles for accompanying content on FORMED. These titles range from 20-minute episodes to feature-length, acclaimed dramas that bring the saints to life. Join Summer with the Saints and get weekly emails to reflect on the lives of the saints delivered right to your inbox. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED.
Visit www.formed.org.
Type in our Parish zip code (19977),
Click on St. Polycarp Church then enter your name and email address!
You can also scan this QR code.
Is there someone you know who would like to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in the Catholic or another Christian tradition? Do you or someone you know need the Sacraments of First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? The Catholic faith can fulfill their desire for a closer relationship with Our Lord by participating in the OCIA process. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.
HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND – Do you know someone who is sick or homebound and not able to make it to Mass? We would love to give them the opportunity to receive Holy Communion in their homes. Please contact April Corrales at 302-220–9616 or Lori Ostrowski at 302-540–6522.
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass.
Upcoming Saturday Eucharistic Adoration at St. Polycarp: Saturdays, September 13th, October 12th, November 8th, December 13th.
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 11 am to 8 pm in the Chapel. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Call Cheryl Thomas at 302-363–0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 11 am and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour…
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at 302-670–7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP (Pathway to Peace) meets on most Fridays at 5:30 pm. Please contact the parish office if you are considering joining us. 302-653-8279 or office@saintpolycarp.org.
CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday after the 8:30 am Mass in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. We begin with prayer, then watch a video, usually from FORMED and follow up with a discussion. We close with prayer by 11 am. Come and share your faith with us. Any questions, call Cookie Ruane, 302-540-6429.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.
GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.
IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.
REDNER’S MARKETS 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER: Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish. Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop. Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or put them into the collection basket. There is no expiration date – you can turn in receipts months old!
THE SMYRNA/CLAYTON MINISTERIUM FOOD PANTRY is located downstairs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna. The pantry is open from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Monday through Friday. Due to the increased need in the community, the Pantry is in great need of cereal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter & jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned tuna, sloppy joe sauce (Manwich), boxed spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups, macaroni & cheese, and Chef Boyardee canned pastas. No canned vegetables or beans are currently needed. Please, no expired items. Here at St. Polycarp we have bins under the coat rack in the hallway near the bathrooms to accept your donations.
BULLETIN SPONSORS: Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year!
USEFUL LINKS:
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE CHANNEL/LIVE STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one-time contributions in support of the Parish. For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS CHURCH: http://www.stdennischurch.org 153 N. Main St. Galena, MD 21635 410-648-5145
ST DENNIS CHURCH LIVE STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN: https://www.cdow.org/giving/fsgc/
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online. Published every other week.
EWTN: ewtn.com
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. This week, it’s back-to-school time with superintendent, Lou De Angelo and new associate superintendent, Tyler Kulp. The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music podcasts and YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm debuts every Wednesday at 12:00 pm and on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm. More information is available at https://cdow.org/ministries/catholic-forum-podcast-radio-program/.
Are you a Jeopardy watcher? Do you participate in Trivia Challenges?
Will you be able to answer the questions on religion?
Check this spot each week!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? When will Blessed Carlo Acutis be canonized a saint?
ANSWER: Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized a saint by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square on September 7th, 2025. He’ll become the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, celebrated for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his digital evangelization efforts. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will also be canonized along with Blessed Carlo Acutis.
The canonization of Blessed Acutis had originally been scheduled for April 27th. It was postponed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21st.